How I Get FREE Hotel Upgrades Every Time (Suite Talking!)

[@joshuajamesmccann2315]

Being kind and respectful to the front desk customer representatives is the most important thing.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Correct, politeness and friendliness goes a long way

[@HeronHouse]

Interesting approaches to getting a suite upgrade. Some years ago we used this approach in Beijing at the Millennium Hotel. We asked if our five day stay could be upgraded as it was our 35th anniversary. They replied when? We said today. Fingers were snapped, manager showed, fingers typed on a keyboard and we were escorted to a fantastic suite on the 27th floor. The surprise was further enhanced when the door bell rang 15 minutes later and we were presented with a fabulous "Happy Anniversary" cake. Truly first class. We dined there that night and of course had the Peking Duck. Just a simple question gave such a rewarding result.

[@PrinceofTravel]

That's awesome to hear, hope you enjoyed the Peking duck!

[@milespointshunter8602]

My favorite upgrade was at the IC Thallaso Bora Bora July 2018. I emailed the hotel twice before arrival and asked when we checked in for an upgrade to a suite. We were upgraded to the Brando suite on a FNC, points and cash booking! I felt really bad that I didnt tip the receptionist or give them a gift so I tried to tip her the next time I saw her and she refused 2x, then she said that Tahiti is a none tipping country and not to worry about it. The next day they gave us some departure gifts - a beach bag, hotel - shirt, towel, hat, some snacks to go and a hand written thank you card signed by some of the workers. It was a short 3 nights but truly an epic holiday that we will never forget!!

[@hugosboss5269]

It depends on the category you are booking though. I worked in from 3 to 5 star superior business / wellness hotels that were part of chains or individual and summerized is to say that you get what you pay for. The service and attitude is greatly varying; you of course will get a more accomodating reception when you are in a 5* wellness hotel, that only has 30 rooms where there is also enough staff on the contrary to a 4* business hotel were you have over 300 guests usually checking in and out every other day and you are understaffed and stressed out. So your tips for example mentioning that it is a special occasion can go from "i don't care" to "of course sir, we make your stay very pleasent" but there are limits to it. The room planning is usually done the day before and first you try to accomodate every booked suites of guests that actually paid for and then from there on down. Then you go through the membership and bump them up according to their status; that said, it is never guaranteed that you get a upgrade, especially in busy times. So they were members of the highest level that booked a normal twin room, because they got anyway bumped up two levels everytime, but you can imagine the discussion i had when there was not the bump to a higher category, because the hotel was full and then he had to stay in the twin room. Then there is of course the gap from your original booking to what you want as you described in your example with the suite and of course every hotel (chain) will do it differently, but even when the suite is available there comes a point that the cost / performance ratio is not given anymore; how you then feel about it is then irrelevant. Also i like to add, when you complain to much or are in general a difficult guest, there will be a internal entry on your file. You can not imagine how much i was lied to every single day (especially in 4* city hotels) by guests, just so they can get something for free. That said, i don't know how the service standard is in north america since i only worked in hotels in Europe, so of course my experience can be quite different of what you had.

[@LalitDevraj]

This was such a valuable and awesome idea for a video Prince, especially you delivering these dope tips- the interior designer point was something I didn't expect at all haha- mucho appreciated 😊

[@PrinceofTravel]

Glad you liked that tip, hope you can use it someday 😊

[@mariefraher8725]

The Westin Excelsior in Rome volunteered us a huge upgrade with double balconies. I wrote the concierge a brief note stating that my husband and I were excited to spend a week in our favorite city for our anniversary. I am a member, but never asked for an upgrade. We also came in the day after their Valentine's promo ended...ie people had already left. It really was our anniversary. We were gifted a super lux upgrade just for a sweet email. We were surprised with the upgrade upon our arrival. They also treated us like rock stars when we arrived. Great memories.

[@jinwoolee1531]

Thanks for the vid! Recently stayed at Hilton Melbourne and about a week before the stay, I asked for a king suite upgrade and they said it was subject to check in. A couple days before the stay I called again regarding the suite and they stated they put a note on file for check in again. When we checked in there was a spare king suite available which we got upgraded to. Similar to your technique in this vid. Will be using it more moving forward!

[@PrinceofTravel]

A few minutes of chatting can go a long way!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Want to get your own dapper T-shirt to help your suite upgrade odds? 👀 Shop our merchandise store now: princeoftravel.com/shop Free shipping on orders over $75. Use discount code TAKEOFF20 for $20 off $100+ through February 13. COMMENT below your next hotel stay where you're aiming for a suite upgrade 👇🏼I'll pick one commenter to receive a free Prince of Travel T-shirt!

[@EilrahcH]

I have a hotel stay coming up. My wife’s birthday. It’s will be the 1st time with no kids in 7 years so I want to treat her to very special stay! Thank you for the great information!

[@terrybrook1114]

Ricky - I had that exact same room at the pearle just before new years and just after the hotel opened. Fantastic room and massive patio!

[@peragine65]

Hello. I am staying at The Thompson Hotel which is a Hyatt protfolio hotel in NYC in March.

[@BK-ob3lo]

Didn't expect this to be so in-depth. Thanks for the tips!

[@PrinceofTravel]

You bet!

[@ejtblueboy6976]

I have an upcoming stay in NYC. status, repeat guest, using suite upgrade and it truly is a special occasion. I do have a specific suite in mind and will let you know🤞

[@pale5793]

Going be staying at the fairmont pacific rim this come sept. Looking forward to the stay, and possibly getting an upgrade!!

[@huachen1486]

Hi Ricky great talk. I am going to stay Delta hotel an spa in Victoria on April 10 for two nights. I am wondering if you can should me some trick to get a suite upgrade as I am currently a Platinum member of Marriott. Thank you.

[@yvr2002rtw]

Buyer beware! Sometimes suite upgrades can actually be a downgrade. I remember staying at the Westin Grand Berlin some years ago and I booked a Grand Deluxe Room (highest room category) in the newly renovated wing of the hotel. However, when I checked in, I was upgraded to a suite in a part of the hotel that hasn't yet been renovated. It was kind of a disappointment and I had to ask to get moved back to my originally booked room.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Good tip!

[@DefSquadFan]

Yeah that's like the Andaz San Diego. The suites face the inside corridor of the hotel and are dark with no view.

[@shawngallacher2231]

Great tips … I’m staying at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki March 19-27.

[@crush42mash6]

Always love prince of travel, watch it all the time and yes I’ve subscribed a long time ago. Next week I’ll be travelling to Cancun with my mom for her 75th Birthday and I will definitely let them know and ask them for some kind of upgrade to celebrate that monumental birthday! I will let you know and see how it goes, I wear double XL. Haha

[@zrb253]

I always try to suite talk my way to a better room for the past few years. Even at small non chain hotels I was able to get a slightly better room. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!

[@crispenfernandes4360]

Thanks -- Prince of Travel for all your wonderful tips. I am a Titanium with Marriott

[@ahbichang]

Just got our 1BR queen bed suite upgraded to the Presidential Trillium suite at the Westin Trillium Blue Mountain for valentine’s weekend! It’s legit my birthday and I found the $200 upgrade fee worth it. I’m actually using 60K in points and at rack rate minus the $200 fee I’m getting over $0.03/point in value.

[@canhchinham4198]

I'm planning a business trip for March-April in Bordeaux, France and likely stay at the Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel. After watching your video, I should be able to suite talk for an upgrade to one its 'Galerie Corner' suites/rooms.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Good luck!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Hey Canh Chi Nham, congrats, you've been chosen as the winner of the Prince of Travel T-shirt! Feel free to reach out to hello [at] princeoftravel.com to claim your prize. Cheers!

[@justinereyes5456]

Grand Hyatt SFO and Staying in the grand imperiale Lake Como

[@Gary_and_Linda]

Ricky, have you ever encountered a bed bug in a hotel? What would you do? We went to the manager with the bug on a tissue square in a ziplock bag. This was on the second evening! We got an instant suite upgrade down the hall which wasn’t very comforting. We had stayed in this nice hotel in Kuala Lumpur for around 20 nights over the last 3 visits. We have never stayed there again. And no we didn’t see any bedbugs afterwards in our room or suitcases for the duration of our trip.

[@jean-francoisgregoire7819]

Thanks for the tips. I usually use the Bonvoy chat, and most of the time it works. A few Years ago, just because of a good relationship with the hotels' receptionists, I have been upgraded multiple times to the President Suite at the Brussels Sheraton

[@vishnu2699]

Good relationship -- wink wink. Nice.

[@VirtousStoic]

1st, much love bro. Your hair looks great here. You are totally right, I literally lost a massive upgrade because I forgot to ask because I didn't notice I get a status change. Then when I discovered I asked and they offered to upgrade me but since I already spent a week in the hotel I felt bad and didn't chance the suite. But good that you are reminding people of this and the diff tactics

[@PrinceofTravel]

Thanks for the hair compliment 😃

[@Tentenguy]

I'm staying at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square here in Seoul for 8 nights starting tomorrow~ Wish me luck in getting a suite everyone!

[@jakefarmer3122]

Great content as always, I hope Rachel got a healthy bonus for her efforts from a few vids ago! Shirts looking 🔥🔥🔥

[@PrinceofTravel]

She got a nice bonus indeed 👍🏼

[@Ayxmar]

Got a stay at the Ermita (Tribute Portfolio) in Cartagena, Colombia in 2 weeks. Will be trying my luck with that suite upgrade!!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Best of luck!!

[@kasimabdulmonem5044]

Great information I really enjoy 😉 your videos thank you 🙏 so much I am a huge fan 😁😁😁

[@kevindo3365]

The merchandise promoting was smooth af haha. I only have Hilton Diamond with Aspire, only Gold Marriott and Discoverist Hyatt so I think Hilton is the only choice to fight for the upgrades. Do you think suite fights apply for Amex Fine Hotel resorts as well?

[@PrinceofTravel]

Yes, since you're entitled to upgrades with Amex FHR. I wouldn't call it a fight though - it's meant to be "suite" 😉

[@Wosby]

Congratulations on your launch of shop! Hope to see some nice water bottles added to take with me on some adventures!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Great idea, we'll add that to the list and make it happen soon 👌🏼

[@yosheenajoganah7215]

Any hotel recommendations in Mauritius island. Also with which hotel chain membership is the best?

[@mintico]

For some reason there are many hotels out there that already knew certain suite will be available but they somehow don’t give a care about elite member suite upgrade. They would rather have the room remain empty than to give it to elite member

[@justincosplay]

great video !!!! can't wait to use this for my toronto trip this summer

[@JAson-wl1zf]

Will upgrades by email reflect on the Bonvoy app? Do you double check via chat to confirm you indeed were upgraded?

[@ganondof]

Planning my first trip since before covid. Looking to stay at the W Montreal, would love to get a suite upgrade there

[@PrinceofTravel]

Go for the WOW Suite, it's an awesome one

[@ryangjewell]

Visiting the west coast of the US (San Francisco) for the first time soon! Hoping to get some nice views.

[@yvr2002rtw]

Another way to get a suite upgrade (at a luxury hotel that does not have loyalty programs) is to book the first night in a regular room and the following night in a suite. Most of of the time, they will automatically upgrade you on the first night to the suite. This works well when you have a late arrival on your first night.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Yep that's a cheeky way to do it too

[@thomas74london]

yep it happened to me on my late arrival on my first night.👍

[@MizLauren]

Im shocked I dont see more comments about tipping the front desk. I tip at check-in and get upgraded 90% of the time.

[@gms4430]

really? how do you slide a tip in for a possible upgrade?

[@richeyrich2203]

@@gms4430ditto

[@kyleprevost3964]

Hey prince, I’ve just got my cobalt card and am on my way to earning the welcome bonus points and am planning a family trip in July hoping to use my points it get the hotel, we’ve never travelled it will be our first long distance family travel from Alberta to Niagara Falls, we will be going to the Toronto zoo as well I’ll be trying this technique of yours to hopefully get the suit upgrade I didn’t even know that was possible without paying.. I’m recently a new subscriber as well was because of your channel I chose to go with the cobalt card and am going to be 3X that card after 60 days wish me luck great content love the channel!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Great choice of a first credit card 👍🏼 All the best with your trip

[@bstv3380]

Communicate is the key 🔑✨Also, that acting was on point. Deserves an Oscar.

[@Exp291]

Great video Ricky as always!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@golfcoachbob8617]

Marriott Dallas Thursday

[@Purrlow]

It would be really good to have a video like this for the average Joe that doesn’t have any cards or points… and how they’ll be able to get upgrades

[@hk61685]

love the video thanks for the hints ricky!

[@Ccmy-do9dx]

I just upgraded to a slightly better room for an upcoming stay but they’ve identified me as a base level member instead of a diamond member, should I reply to them via email or wait till I check in? Great video, thank you!

[@PrinceofTravel]

It can’t hurt to reach out early - make sure the correct loyalty number is attached to the booking.

[@gatorjxr]

I'm trying to get a suite upgrade for my daughter and I at the Courtyard in Nassau, Bahamas. I have lifetime Titanium with Marriott.

[@rgzesdbjkhger]

The blue shirt looks really good on you

[@dojustin]

just sent the email to the St Regis Bora Bora! i’m not going until May so hopefully I didn’t send it too early?

[@crush42mash6]

I am so far talking with the hotel in Cancun and they responded with an upgrade with reduced prices. Now I’m thinking of using your sweet talking I’m going to ask them the note on my file if there’s any availability when I arrive for my mom’s 75th birthday. Hopefully they will accommodate me, stay tuned

[@richeyrich2203]

What happened?

[@ahbichang]

I’m pretty good at getting upgraded and used your tips at the JW Marriott Cancun but sadly due to them being essentially sold out of suites with a huge corporate group, they weren’t able to upgrade me. I had already paid a bit extra for an oceanfront suite the first few nights followed by club 91 lounge access the next 5. Was hoping to get the oceanfront suite extended a few more nights but was unable to. I have an upcoming stay at the Westin Blue Mountain where I have a 1 BR suite booked one night and a 2 BR booked the second. Unfortunately the first night looks completely sold out so I’m not sure I’ll get upgraded. Ideally they simply put me in the 2BR for both nights

[@PrinceofTravel]

Yeah, if they're sold out there's not much you can do. How was the Club 91 at JW Cancún? I didn't go for the upgrade when I had stayed there

[@ahbichang]

@@PrinceofTravel well worth it when factoring the wife and baby. It was also not busy even though the hotel was busy as the corporate group didn't have access so the service was excellent. Spa access is included as well which is another perk

[@juliusc5531]

I’ve used your method last December. It works! I saw your video you posted last year. Was able to secure 5 nights in St. Regis Maldives via points (Beach Villa). Currently Platinum. Any advice on how to get upgraded?

[@PrinceofTravel]

Well done!

[@lorifischer1581]

Excited for your merch launch! We're hoping for a suite upgrade at the Hotel am Steinplatz in Berlin when we go there for our honeymoon. It's part of the Autograph Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. I emailed them directly last week to try and get the ball rolling. We have Gold Elite status. Fingers crossed!

[@PrinceofTravel]

Sounds great!

[@karanbarring2846]

Nice Haircut man! Cheers

[@patrickmcnamara1623]

Next hotel stay I’m hoping for a suite upgrade: Tonight in Toronto! Failing that, stay at the same hotel next month while I’m at a concert.

[@tombrown03]

Is it a waste of effort to try to ask for some sort of upgrade without any hotel status v

[@brad6106]

Aggghhhhh! Pearle cancelled on me twice due to their 6+ month delayed opening (delayed transition to Marriott as the hotel was actually open just not honoring Marriott reservations) lucky for my I held Marriott accountable and landed 2 free nights elsewhere + 75,000 points! Still sad I couldn't stay there as it looks nice but the points helped ease the sting 😋

[@Isaacelijahmusic]

What if you don’t have any platinum benefits?

[@JackTheMurderer]

Tbh. I never really got why you would need a big suite. When I'm on a business trip or on vacation, I only use the hotel room just to sleep somewhere, otherwise I could have stayed home.

[@wanem1622]

Suite tips Ricky... 🙂

[@thereisnoaddress]

Damn, gotta get that dapper t-shirt 🔥

[@sukhwindergill7629]

Heading over to Muskoka to take advantage of the staycation tax credit and hopefully I can catch an upgrade (and a Prince of Travel tee) as well 💪

[@PrinceofTravel]

Good luck with the giveaway 😃

[@lam5045]

Good afternoon Ricky, Amazing work on videos, very creative and beautifully done sample of the conservation. These extra make you want to watch all your videos and be a member of Prince of Travel group. Thank you for an amazing job you do. Thank you to you we are short of 70 k to get our one million aeroplane point. Thank you. If you like to send the short to me, I would love to wear it.

[@Isaacelijahmusic]

I feel like Hilton makes it impossible to contact their hotels directly!?

[@PointsInbound]

I have an theory that it is easier to be upgraded with lower tier chains. I'm Marriott Gold and was recently upgraded to a really nice suite at a category 2. Maybe because higher status members stay at higher category chains. Does anybody have any thoughts on that?

[@lameowizard]

Well, there’s a few different factors here. In my experience, the really nice hotels (Ritz, Raffles, Park Hyatts in Europe) with personal service are much more likely to want to give a guest a memorable experience, and will give the more impressive upgrades.

[@PointsInbound]

@@lameowizard All my travel is Asia, and have never been to Europe but I hear status goes further in Asia.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Want to level up your travel game? Join us at the Prince of Travel Signature Event Vancouver 2023! Get your tickets now: princeoftravel.com/events/vancouver-2023

[@AbhijotSolanki]

I want to stay at most Canadian Fairmont locations. What’s the most strategic way to do this by not breaking the bank lol

[@TheMe8931]

Any Princess of Travel tees available? 😌😌😜😜 Jk. Lol. Love your content! Learnt a lot during the past couple of months when I was stuck at home with covid. Even got an Aeroplan Card. 😌 I'm looking forward to travelling to Croatia, Paris and Iceland this year, in the Fall. And to Grenada and Barbados in a couple of weeks, all stays are at the Marriott Chain :). Thanks for your content!

[@ishaanbhasin9089]

Habibiii, can we get any credit card strategy updates???

[@PrinceofTravel]

Check out the previous video

[@janekrull]

Thanks for all the tips!

[@JacksonWelch]

As a Hilton Diamond, I usually only get a room with a nicer view.

[@danielonn2002]

Be non committal. Always check the room before committing and find out something wrong. Call up the front desk from the room you do not like the room and why . Then ask them.

[@benjaminogle11]

The method at the counter seems kinda risky because you’re not letting the receptionist to save face, no?

[@jacobhaa2jacob71]

The aria Las Vegas

[@burnt1ce85]

Does the “slipping a $20 US bill to front desk” tip work? 😂 I’m half-joking

[@jordanstraveltales6579]

No, but bringing them something that is native to your hometown has a better chance of working.

[@rosettejones5050]

Because your wearing that really awesome t shirt right now.... ha ha ha lol hilarious

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

If people only knew the power of kindness and how much it can get you. Experience talking.

[@lukerabin5079]

A suite in Burlington, Ontario. Hmmm. A noted tourist hotspot for sure. I bet suites are in ridiculous demand.

[@shepgre]

Hi Prince of Travel. I enjoy watching your videos. Very informative. I am disappointed that I missed the opportunity for the free t-shirt made available through this video a year ago. It would be an honor to wear your brand and answer questions about your channel when my friends inquire about the t-shirt. Is there any way you could send me one for free although this offer has expired? Again, let me express my appreciation for your channel as it provides many helpful travel tips.

[@yixiangharry]

lol POT Merch!

[@colonellake6297]

2 aspects: Story #1: I was member of the LHW and just to express to the reception that it was such joy to be at there hotel as a member of LHW for the first time and every time I was passing by the reception, I chat with them and every time they send to my room some extra (food, drink, cake etc) in the hour following the chat. Story #2: I use to go at the same hotel in a city but one time I stay at a different hotel but I pass to my 'usual' hotel just to chat with them and explain that I was at the other hotel because of business but tell them that I was coming back in a few month (for vacation) and I will prefer to stay like usual at there hotel and ask if they have some special package for me....The guy offer me a very good deal and suite at a very good price. And the guy said: "happy to have you back and offer me a free drink for me and my wife to relax at the bar"

[@sSSspidermanNNn]

I think POT has lost quite a lot of weight.😄😄

[@khAlif34]

Great advice. I have upcoming reservation at The Ritz Carlton Langkawi for my birthday trip. Booked the cheapest type of room (700 USD roughly) Really looking forward to a suite upgrade as a Platinum Elite member 😅 Will try to email them and request for an upgrade. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[@jakefarmer3122]

If I keep spamming this channel with comments can I have a dank ass t-shirt? I don't have any bonvoy bookings coming up so I can't lie about getting a suite upgrade though :(.

[@PrinceofTravel]

Get yours now: princeoftravel.com/shop

[@teja6464]

This will en route an employee to think about if any occasion is real. All because of fake birthdays or anniversaries by customers who are not ready to spend money for what they want. Being a hotelier i can say begging on the road side is better than the rich man asking to complement things at hotels. We are simply wasting our time for fake customers to make them happy for nothing, and his continued journey of the customer never ends in continuous visits to any other location of hotels.

[@pierolivierpc]

Aloft says NOP

[@PrinceofTravel]

No suites 🥲

[@lisagoudybailey1043]

*Everything reeks inflation in the economy.... I don't know who, however a person desires to pay attention to this, you have to stop relying on the government and saving all of your money . Venture into making an investment a few in case you actually want monetary freedom*

[@mortenbolin7481]

After what has unfolded in 2020 I no longer view btc as speculation. more so an inevitability. Even if it takes 10 years to get $100k that would mean the average rate of return with a daily $100. Over a year is 100% what asset class out there today offer that type of opportunity?

[@commerceusa]

@@mortenbolin7481 I wanted to trade crypto but I got confused with the fluctuations in price🙁

[@cainguyen2974]

That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like Steve McGarry my coach, you may have come across him on a few interviews.

[@Johnclayton28]

Steve McGarry? I recently started trading with him. I always heard that his strategies are really good and it’s turns out that I heard the truth. His trading strategies centers on making huge profits for Investors.

[@annabelkatherine6441]

Take it from one who has it and buy a house in Missouri and dream Wrangler with forex trade profits. I started with Mr Steve McGarry of financial education and he has been my handler and guider for the past years

[@richardhart9204]

Soooo ... which one of them was the evil Prince of Travel?

[@nomanor7987]

This seems a lot of work to get a suite upgrade

[@PrinceofTravel]

Here's why it isn't: eventually you simply copy and paste most of the communications from one hotel to the next

[@lucasderman4704]

I mean, the whole game of churning in general is decent work but the payoff is there.

[@Josh-Si]

Luckily I don't need this t-shirt 🙂

[@MikeJunior9779]

The way you earned elite status is NOT FREE.

[@PrinceofTravel]

No it's not